Molly TumanicTheBlugold men’s hockey teamcame backfrom an early deficitFriday evening and defeated nationally ranked (No. 4) UW-River Falls 4-2 at Hobbs Ice Arena.
The win gavethe ‘Golds a doseofconfidenceheadinginto this weekend’s Northern Collegiate Hockey Tournament.
“Determination andconsistencythroughout the whole team is our main focus going into the weekend,” said junior Rob Ouimette, the Blugolds’ leading scorer. “This win gives us a good boost in knowing that we can compete with good teams.”
Junior Ben Mannysparked the comeback surge for the Blugolds, scoring in the second period on a wide-open lane, firing inthe team’s first goal to tie the game, 1-1. JuniorPhil Cherneski and senior Mike Lucentiassisted on Manny’s10th season goal.
After River Falls moved ahead2-1 in thesecond period, junior Pete Eloranta responded just seven seconds later. Herocketed the puck pastFalcon goalie Andy Scanlon on assists from Manny and sophomore Chip Dunleavy toset the stage for what proved to be the eventual game-winning goal.
OuimettekilledanyFalcon comeback hopes, scoring just 32 seconds lateron a wide-open lane to take the 3-2 lead.
The Blugolds didn’t look back as senior Bryan Chambers added an empty-net goal with one minute remaining to seal the victory.
Blugold coach Jean Laforest saidthe team’s improved mind-set and focusbetween the first andsecond periods were the difference aiding the defeat.
“Once we focused, we were able to establish a situation where we could win the game.”
| Blugolds 4 UW-River Falls 2 UW-Stout 4 Blugolds 2 Up next: UW-River Falls, Friday, at River Falls |
Sophomore Steffan Braunlich, conference-leading goalie, stayed on the ice through all three periods, blocking 27 Falcon shots.
Despite a repeat showing of Braunlich’s stamina Saturday night, the ‘Golds were unable to hold off UW-Stout as they fell 4-2 at Hobbs.
The loss gives the Blugolds a regular season record of 14-10-1 overall and 4-9-1 in the NCHA. Eau Claire will travel to River Falls Friday for the first of a three-game series.
